Hallmark Registration in India
In India, gold has always been a favorite among consumers, particularly women, as it serves as a safe and secure investment, especially during tough times. To protect customers from adulteration and to ensure that jewellers maintain the purity of their jewellery, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) launched the Hallmarking Scheme. The Gold Hallmarking Scheme was introduced in 2000, and the Silver Hallmarking Scheme followed in 2005. As per this scheme, BIS Hallmark Registration is mandatory for the manufacturing and sale of gold and silver jewellery. Without a proper hallmark, it's impossible to verify the purity of gold just by looking at it, which makes the BIS Hallmark Registration essential to provide customers with confidence in the purity of their precious metals.
What is Hallmarking?
Hallmarking is the precise determination and official recording of the content of precious metals such as gold and silver in jewellery. Hallmarks are legal marks used globally to guarantee the purity and fineness of these metals. The primary objectives of the Hallmarking Scheme are to protect the public from adulteration and to ensure that all manufacturers maintain legal standards of fineness. In India, gold and silver are the primary metals covered by this scheme.
The Hallmarking Scheme in India aligns with international standards. Jewellers can get their products hallmarked through BIS-authorized Assaying and Hallmarking Centres.
How to get Hallmark Registration?
Jewellers wishing to receive BIS certification must follow the Jewellers Registration Scheme. This involves submitting necessary documentation like company address proof, GST registration certificate, and ID proof (e.g., Aadhaar or PAN card). Additional business details, including annual turnover, will be verified to ensure compliance with the Gold Hallmarking Scheme. Submitted jewellery will undergo testing at BIS Assaying & Hallmarking Centres (A&H Centres) to ensure they meet standards set by IS 15820.
Once approved, jewellers will receive a Hallmark License, allowing them to mark their products. At FilingIn, we simplify this process, guiding you through every step, from registration to product testing, to ensure compliance with BIS standards.
New Hallmarking Method – Effective From 1 April 2023:
In line with recent updates, starting 1 April 2023, BIS implemented a new hallmarking method for gold jewellery. A mandatory Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) number is now required for all gold jewellery sold or purchased in India. This HUID ensures the traceability and authenticity of each piece, fostering increased consumer trust and transparency.
Why is Hallmark Registration Certification Important?
- Business Growth: Hallmark Registration helps boost your business by attracting more customers.
- Quality Assurance: It assures customers of the quality and purity of the jewellery products.
- Customer Satisfaction: Certification builds trust and satisfaction among your customers.
- Increased Value: Hallmarking adds value to the precious stones and jewellery, instilling trust in your products.
- Legal Protection: It provides legal protection against violations, ensuring your business operates in accordance with standards.
Hallmark registration offers several key benefits for jewellers:
- Enhanced Credibility: Showcase your commitment to quality with certified products that meet BIS standards.
- Building Consumer Trust: A hallmark is an assurance to customers that your products are of guaranteed purity.
- Legal Protection: Stay compliant with BIS regulations and avoid potential legal risks.
- Market Credibility: Displaying a BIS Hallmark Registration Certificate enhances your reputation in the market.
- Quality Assurance: Hallmarked jewellery ensures the purity and authenticity of gold and silver, strengthening your customer’s confidence.
To successfully apply for hallmark registration, the following documents are required:
- Certificate of Registration issued by the Registrar of Companies (ROC), along with the Memorandum of Association (MOA).
- Registered Partnership Deed (if the applicant is a partnership firm).
- Chartered Accountant (CA) Certificate (if the applicant is a proprietorship firm).
- CA Certificate if the turnover exceeds ₹40 lakhs.
- GST Registration Certificate to confirm your business is registered under Goods and Services Tax.
- Sale or Lease Deed Agreement as proof of business premises.
- Income Tax Assessment Order to verify your tax status.
- Rent Agreement along with the most recent rent receipt.
- Latest Property Tax Receipt to prove ownership or tenancy of the property.
- Registration with State Government Authority to comply with local regulations.
- Copy of Identity Proof, such as:
- Aadhaar card
- PAN card
- Passport
- Driving license
- Voter ID
- Photo ID card issued by a Gazetted Officer on official letterhead.
- Aadhaar-based Verification or E-signature to authenticate the application.
- Location Map indicating the premises location, with a clear indication from the nearest landmark for each outlet.
- Copy of GST Returns for the previous financial year.
- For new firms, an Undertaking must be submitted with an estimate of expected turnover and an assurance to submit GST returns.
Who is Eligible for Hallmark Registration in India?
Jewellers, retailers, manufacturers, and importers/exporters dealing with gold, silver, or platinum jewellery must apply for hallmark registration. Those who wish to sell hallmarked jewellery or ensure compliance with BIS standards must undergo testing at BIS-approved centres.
Key eligibility criteria include submitting documents such as:
- GST Registration Certificate
- Company or partnership proof
- Chartered Accountant (CA) certificate (if applicable)
- Rent agreement and property tax receipts
- Aadhaar card, PAN card, or other official identity proof
Who is not Eligible for Hallmark Registration in India?
- Cancellation of Registration: If Hallmark Registration is canceled under specific regulations, the jeweller is ineligible to apply for registration for a cooling period of one year from the date of cancellation.
- Conviction: A jeweller who has been convicted under the provisions of the Hallmarking Act is also ineligible to apply for registration for one year from the date of conviction.
Any registrations made through online portals will be canceled if the applicant is found to be ineligible.
Different Types of Forms for Hallmark Registration:
Below is a list of forms related to Hallmark Registration:
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Form
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Description
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|---|---|
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Form-I
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Application for the grant of Hallmark Registration to Jewellers.
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Form-IV
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Application for Recognition of Assaying & Hallmarking Centre.
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Form-V
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Affidavit cum undertaking by Assaying & Hallmarking Centre.
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Form-VII
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Renewal application for the Recognition of Assaying & Hallmarking Centre.
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Form-VIII
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Application for a license to use the Hallmark.
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Form-XIII
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Renewal application of Hallmark license.
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Schedule-II
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Fee for Grant & Renewal of Recognition of Assaying & Hallmarking Centre.
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Schedule-V
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Fee for Grant & Renewal of License to Refineries/Mints.
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Types of BIS Hallmarking Registration Certificates:
There are two main types of BIS Hallmarking Registration Certificates:
- BIS Registration for Jewellers or Showrooms:
Jewellers must obtain a Hallmark Registration from BIS to manufacture or sell BIS hallmarked gold and silver jewellery. Each sales outlet requires a separate Hallmark Registration from BIS, and jewellers can have their jewellery hallmarked at BIS-approved Assaying and Hallmarking Centres. - BIS Recognition of Assaying & Hallmarking Centre:
A Hallmarking Centre must be BIS-certified to evaluate and stamp the purity of precious metals. These centres can apply for BIS recognition and provide certification for jewellers.
At FilingIn, we provide a seamless hallmark registration service. Here’s how we assist in the process:
- Consultation: We guide you through the hallmarking process, ensuring all the necessary requirements are understood.
- Documentation: We help you gather and submit all the necessary documentation for hallmark registration.
- Submission: FilingIn will facilitate the submission of your application to BIS.
- Testing: BIS will test your jewellery for purity and compliance with BIS standards.
- Certification: After testing, you will receive your hallmark certification, allowing you to mark your jewellery with the official BIS hallmark.
- Ongoing Support: We assist with renewals, audits, and any post-registration compliance.
How to Identify Hallmarked Jewellery?
- Old Methods of Hallmarking Gold:
- BIS Mark or Logo: This mark signifies that the product has been evaluated and validated by a third-party assessor, typically a BIS-certified lab.
- Purity Grade: Purity is indicated in two ways:
- Karats (KT): The highest grade of gold is 24KT, but it is too soft for jewellery, so it's often alloyed with other metals like silver or zinc.
- Fineness Number: This indicates the amount of pure gold in the metal.
- Hallmarking Centre’s Mark: The Hallmarking Centre’s license mark ensures that the purity of the gold and silver has been inspected and validated.
- Jeweller’s Mark: Each BIS-certified jeweller has a unique mark to identify their jewellery products.
- Marking Year: A letter code represents the year of marking (e.g., A = 2000, B = 2001).
- New Methods of Hallmarking: In 2019, the Indian Government announced that Hallmarking gold jewellery and artefacts would become mandatory nationwide. The new system includes a Unique Identification Number (UIN) along with the BIS Hallmark, indicating the purity of the metal. Jewellers must comply with the Hallmarking Regulations, 2018, and ensure that their gold jewellery is hallmarked before selling it at certified outlets.
Purpose of Hallmarking:
The primary purpose of hallmarking is to confirm the purity and fineness of precious metals such as gold, silver, and platinum. This process protects consumers from fraud by guaranteeing that jewellery items meet established quality standards. A hallmark includes detailed information about the metal’s purity and an official stamp verifying its authenticity. For consumers, this means greater confidence in the quality of their jewellery.
Grading of Gold Based on Purity Levels:
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Metal Type
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Purity Percentage
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Other Metals
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Description
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|---|---|---|---|
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Silver (925)
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92.5%
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7.5% other metals
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Sterling silver, international purity standard.
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Platinum (99.9)
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99.9%
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Very minimal impurities
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Purest form of platinum, used in high-end jewellery.
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Platinum (95)
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95%
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5% other metals
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Frequently used in platinum jewellery pieces.
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Hallmarks and Symbols for Purity Verification:
- Silver: The hallmark 925 represents 92.5% pure silver (sterling silver). Other symbols may include the maker’s mark, town mark, or the lion passant symbol.
- Platinum: Hallmarks such as 99.9 and 95 represent the purity level of platinum. Additional symbols like diamond shapes and balance scales indicate the fineness of platinum.
Legal Framework for Hallmark Registration in India:
In India, hallmarking is governed by the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, which provides BIS with the authority to set and enforce standards for gold, silver, and other precious metals. With the mandatory hallmarking guidelines, it is now obligatory for jewellers to get their gold jewellery hallmarked, and compliance with these rules is ensured through regular audits and inspections.
Post-Registration Compliance:
After receiving the hallmark license, it’s important to maintain compliance with BIS guidelines. This includes:
- Testing all jewellery at BIS-approved centres
- Maintaining proper records of tested jewellery
- Regular audits by BIS
- Renewing the hallmark registration annually
At FilingIn, we ensure that your hallmark registration remains compliant, making sure your business stays up-to-date with all necessary certifications.
FilingIn streamlines the hallmark registration process, providing you with expert guidance, from consultation and documentation to final certification. We ensure your Jewellery complies with all the necessary BIS guidelines, helping you grow your business with confidence.
Contact us today to begin your hallmark registration journey!
Frequently Asked Questions in India
What is Hallmark Registration?
Hallmark Registration is a certification process that ensures the purity of precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum. It confirms that the jewellery or items meet the required purity standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
Who can apply for Hallmark Registration?
jeweller’s, manufacturers, and retailers dealing in precious metal jewellery or items can apply for hallmark registration to certify their products’ purity.
Why is Hallmark Registration important?
Hallmark Registration provides authenticity and assures customers of the purity of the precious metals used in the jewellery. It builds trust and complies with legal requirements.
What is the process for Hallmark Registration?
The process involves submitting an application to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), meeting eligibility criteria, and undergoing inspections. The BIS then grants the registration if all requirements are met.
How long does the Hallmark Registration process take?
The process typically takes several weeks, depending on the completeness of the application and the verification process conducted by BIS.
What documents are required for Hallmark Registration?
Required documents include the applicant’s business registration, proof of identity, details of the manufacturing unit, and the purity testing certificate from BIS-accredited laboratories.
Is Hallmark Registration mandatory for jewellers?
Yes, for any jewellery sold to the public in India, Hallmark Registration is mandatory to ensure that the purity of gold, silver, and platinum is certified by BIS.
How often do I need to renew Hallmark Registration?
Hallmark Registration is typically valid for 3 years, after which it must be renewed by submitting updated documents and passing necessary inspections.
Can I apply for Hallmark Registration for both retail and manufacturing?
Yes, both jewelers who manufacture and those who retail precious metal jewellery can apply for Hallmark Registration, provided they meet the necessary criteria.
What happens if a jeweler fails to comply with Hallmarking regulations?
Failure to comply with hallmarking regulations can lead to penalties, revocation of registration, and legal consequences. It may also damage the jeweler’s reputation in the market.
